The Dubai lifestyle is synonymous with luxury and affluence. In a city that boasts over 80,000 millionaires, status symbols take many forms – ranging from architectural marvels to high-end supercars. Among the more distinctive displays of prestige are the license plates adorning these vehicles. In Dubai, exclusive number plates have become coveted collectables, with some fetching multi-million-dollar price tags at auction. Read on to discover the top five most expensive number plates ever sold in the city – and the stories behind them.
5 – DD5
In March 2025, Binghatti Holdings chairman Muhammad Binghatti made national headlines by winning the DD5 number plate at the ‘Most Noble Number’ auction in Burj Khalifa’s Armani Dubai Hotel. The sale was also notable for attracting the youngest-ever bidder, with 13-year-old Abdulkader Walid Asaad making his presence felt with an offer for the coveted plate.
Sold for a staggering AED 35 million, the plate attracted more than 20 bidders, with Mr Binghatti being introduced by the host as “the legend” who had acquired the highly desired plate. The event was held during the holy month of Ramadan to raise money for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) – a humanitarian endeavour designed primarily for philanthropic causes. Including the capital brought in by the Binghatti bid, the evening raised more than AED 80 million in total.
4 – AA8
In spring 2022, the exclusive Four Seasons Jumeirah hosted the auction of the AA8 number plate, once again organised by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) as part of their ‘Most Noble Numbers’ campaign. This particular auction was held in collaboration with telecommunications groups du and etisalat, who were also auctioning off phone numbers – the proceeds of which went to the ‘1 Billion Meals’ campaign.
Won by an anonymous bidder, the personal plate fetched AED 35 million and has been spotted in the city attached to a Rolls Royce Cullinan, one of the most prestigious SUVs on the market. At the time of sale, the number plate became the third most expensive of all time but was later forced down into fourth place, coincidentally by the same buyer, who currently owns both the first and fourth most expensive number plates in Dubai.
Single-number licence plates, or those with repeated digits possess an air of built-in scarcity which is extremely popular in luxury markets. In Dubai, that sort of exclusivity can be worth millions to the right buyer.
3 – AA9
The ‘Most Noble Numbers’ auction proved its worth in May 2021, as the AA9 licence plate sold for an eye-watering AED 38 million. The auction, which also featured drawings by the late South African President and anti-apartheid activist, Nelson Mandela, attracted several high-profile philanthropists, businessmen and entertainers in support of the ‘100 Million Meals’ campaign.
AA9 provided a large chunk of the AED 50 million raised, however, under the values of philanthropy the buyer’s identity will remain anonymous. Nevertheless, the winning bidder did go on to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for his groundbreaking initiatives designed to bring humanitarian relief to those around the globe who need it most.
In the Gulf region, single-digit number plates are a long-standing part of car culture. Displaying a rare number plate carries a certain amount of prestige and has historically been closely associated with members of the royal family, meaning there is no shortage of bidders when these events come around.
2 – 1
Some might be surprised that the number ‘’1’’ plate does not occupy the top spot in the list of Dubai’s most expensive number plates. For many years, this coveted licence plate did sit atop that esteemed list, having been purchased for an incredible AED 52.2 million in 2008 by Emirati businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri. The stunning price earned the number “1” plate a place in the Guinness Book of World Records at the time, and the coveted licence number was one of 90 sold during the auction – organised by Emirates Auction. Similar to later auctions, the money raised from Khouri’s winning bid was put to excellent use. Proceeds were used to build the UAE’s first-ever national rehabilitation centre for road traffic accidents – a truly inspiring use of the funds.
Like other collectable items, certain number plates can appreciate in value over time. While some critics view them as extravagant displays of wealth, these plates often hold significant resale potential – not unlike rare artworks or vintage cars.
1 - 7
In 2023, the exclusive car plate industry was revamped as a wealthy bidder shattered the 15-year-old record held by Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri. An eye-watering auction bid of AED 55 million was enough to take home licence plate number P7, at an event once again organised by the benevolent Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives.
As is common with vanity plate auctions, the bidder remained anonymous, but it is believed the owner is the same person who successfully acquired the AA8 plate in 2022.
Given its significance in some cultures as a lucky number, some have speculated as to the background of the owner. A primary number, 7 is consistently listed as a favourite number by people from a Western background, while the number had mystical and religious significance in Mesopotamian culture. It could also be a reference to the 7 emirates of the UAE, indicating a possible local buyer.
In Dubai, a prestige number plate often carries a degree of public recognition – should the buyer choose to make their purchase known. Yet, one of the most compelling motivations behind such significant spending is undoubtedly the opportunity to contribute substantial sums to meaningful causes, such as healthcare or education – an act deserving of commendation, not criticism.
Dubai’s wealth and opportunities often draw individuals who are eager to boldly display their affluence. However, the rise of initiatives such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has provided a meaningful avenue for this wealth to be redirected toward projects that benefit the less fortunate. Given the vast sums being spent on number plates via the ‘Most Noble Numbers’ campaign, it makes sense that society should also benefit, making this a most welcome societal win-win.
